Highway 7, about 35 kilometres out of Stung Treng on the way to Lao and Mr Pumpy is having serious existential doubts.

The remarkable thing about this photo is that there is somebody in it besides Mr Pumpy. Most of the time there is nothing: nothing to look at, nothing to talk to and nothing to think about besides the heat and pain.

The road is in extremely bad shape for most of the way and you'll be zigzagging all over the place trying to stay upright. Make sure you take extra water, lollies and snacks.